ELECTRIC TRACTION

Abstract

A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment(s) of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers are used throughout the FIG's to reference like components and features. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates aspects of a prior art drive train.

FIG. 1B illustrates aspects of a prior art drive train with a PTO.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain components and certain mounting and engagement aspects of an electric traction system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams illustrating additional aspects of an electric traction system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating certain control aspects of the electric traction system of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates certain aspects of an actuator and linkage to a main engine clutch for the vehicle of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system in which at least aspects of control processes of the invention may be implemented, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system having a drive train including an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port, the system comprising: an electric motor; anda transfer device coupling the electric motor to the transmission via the port, the system being configured to enable the electric motor to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, comprising: a source device for supplying power to the electric motor.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the source device comprises a fuel cell.

4. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the source device comprises a battery.

5. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the source device comprises: a battery; anda fuel cell configured to charge the battery.

6. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the system is configured to enable charging of the battery by the ICE when the ICE is powered on.

7. An electric traction system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a drive train, the drive train including a clutch coupled to an input of a transmission, the system comprising: an electric motor;a transfer device for transferring rotation of the motor to the transmission input for moving the vehicle;a source device electrically coupled to the motor to supply power for the moving of the vehicle during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off; andcontrols configured to enable the moving of the vehicle selectively.

8. The system as recited in claim 7 comprising: a motor controller, wherein the source device is electrically coupled to the motor via the motor controller.

9. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the source device comprises: a fuel cell.

10. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the source device comprises: a battery electrically coupled to the motor controller to supply electrical power for the motor, wherein the electrical coupling of the fuel cell to the motor is via the battery so that the fuel cell is operable to recharge the battery.

11. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the source device comprises: a battery.

12. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the controls are electrically coupled to, and operable with, the motor controller to energize the electric motor responsive to a demand signal.

13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the demand signal is a variable demand signal and the energizing of the electric motor includes variable energizing such that speed of the vehicle is modulated responsive to the variable demand signal.

14. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the controls include: a throttle; anda variable impedance device, wherein the energizing of the electric motor includes variable energizing and the demand signal includes a variable impedance signal from the variable impedance device, the impedance being varied responsive to the throttle.

15. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the controls are electrically coupled to, and operable with, the motor controller to deenergize the electric motor responsive to a shutdown signal, wherein the shutdown signal indicates operation of the ICE or a precursor to operation of the ICE.

16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the shutdown signal includes a signal for starting the ICE.

17. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the shutdown signal includes a clutch position signal.

18. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the shutdown signal includes an ICE rotation signal.

19. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the shutdown signal includes an ICE ignition signal.

20. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the controls comprise: an actuator configured to automatically move the clutch to a position in which the ICE is disengaged from the transmission input responsive to a signal.

21. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the controls comprise: an actuator configured to automatically move the clutch to a position in which the ICE is disengaged from the transmission input responsive to a signal indicating initializing of an operating mode in which movement of the vehicle is powered by the electrical motor.

22. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the system is configured for enabling charging of the battery by the ICE.

23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the configuration enabling charging of the battery by the ICE includes the transmission being engaged to the ICE via the clutch for mechanically transferring power from the ICE to the motor via the clutch, so that the motor is operable as a generator.

24. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the vehicle includes an air compressor driven by the ICE for supplying air to a reservoir for a braking subsystem of the vehicle, and wherein the electric traction system comprises: an auxiliary air compressor for supplying air to the reservoir during at least certain times when the ICE is powered off;an auxiliary air electric motor for driving the auxiliary air compressor; andan air pressure switch coupled to the reservoir for turning on the auxiliary air electric motor responsive to low air pressure.

25. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the vehicle includes a hydraulic fluid pump driven by the ICE for supplying fluid to a steering subsystem of the vehicle, and wherein the electric traction system comprises: an auxiliary hydraulic fluid pump for supplying fluid to the power steering subsystem during at least certain times when the ICE is powered off;an auxiliary hydraulic fluid electric motor for driving the auxiliary hydraulic fluid pump; andat least one limit switch coupled to the steering subsystem for turning on the auxiliary hydraulic fluid electric motor responsive to a position of at least one component of the steering subsystem.

26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein the at least one component of the steering subsystem includes a steering arm.

27. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the transmission has a case defining a port for accessing the transmission input and the transfer device has a case fixed to the transmission case such that the transfer device engages the transmission input for transferring the rotation of the electric motor.